The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s crucial Investec Champions Cup clash against Castres Olympique at Thomond Park.
The game kicks off at 5.30pm with tickets available here.
Captain Tadhg Beirne will lead Munster on his 100th appearance for the province.
There are three changes to the side that were narrowly beaten in Toulon last weekend as Thaakir Abrahams, Niall Scannell and Jean Kleyn all come into the starting XV.
Shane Daly, Abrahams and Academy man Ben O’Connor start in the back three with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their centre partnership.
Craig Casey has recovered from a shoulder knock to start in the half-backs with Jack Crowley.
Jeremy Loughman, Scannell and Michael Ala’alatoa pack down in the front row with Kleyn and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room.
An unchanged back row of Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue and Gavin Coombes completes the starting XV.
Lee Barron, Michael Milne and Oli Jager provide the front row back-up with Jager included in a matchday squad for the first time since October after returning from a head injury.
Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson complete the forward cover.
Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.
Munster Rugby: Shane Daly; Thaakir Abrahams, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Ben O’Connor; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Michael Ala’alatoa; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (C), Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Oli Jager, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan, Dan Kelly.
Unavailable for selection this week:
Alex Kendellen (ankle) – will return to play in three to five weeks.
John Hodnett (thumb) – will return to play in the coming weeks.
Seán O’Brien (shoulder) – will return to play in three to five weeks.
Tom Ahern (neck) – will return to play in the coming weeks.
Calvin Nash (head/shoulder) – will return to play in the coming weeks.
Press Pass
Hear from Jeremy Loughman and Defence Coaach Denis Leamy ahead of the game.
Tickets
Saturday, January 17
Champions Cup Round 4: Munster Rugby v Castres Olympique, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Friday, January 23
URC Round 10: Munster Rugby v Dragons RFC, Virgin Media Park, 7.45pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, February 28
URC Round 12: Munster Rugby v Zebre Rugby, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, April 25
URC Round 16: Munster Rugby v Ulster Rugby, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, May 16
URC Round 18: Munster Rugby v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.45pm; Buy tickets here
